I conducted this interview with one of my homebirth clients, Shatoyia Jones-Medor, and I learned so much. Shatoyia serves as an international women’s advocate, full-time founder of Cacica of Kingdom Woman Finishing School of self-mastery and divinity, and teaches and performs Chakacha movement practice. This interview is an exploration of Chakacha movement, its history and…

Holyoke – MiraVista Behavioral Health Center is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Kenneth R. Richmond, MD, MS, as its new Medical Director. Dr. Richmond, a highly respected psychiatrist and experienced leader in the field of behavioral health, brings a dynamic combination of clinical excellence, strategic vision, and unwavering dedication to patient care to…

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey signed An Act Relative to Medically Necessary Breast Screenings and Exams for Equity and Early Detection. This comprehensive legislation will ensure that patients have access to follow-up breast cancer screenings and exams, while also preventing any increase in patient cost-sharing by 2026. “We know that early detection of breast cancer…

As chairperson of the Springfield Dementia Friendly Coalition, I am often approached with these types of statements: “I think I have Alzheimer’s. My memory is not like it used to be.” My response is always, “Unless you have been assessed and diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I would not say that!!!” I would say that we, as…

In October of this year, Elissa Carney, a Springfield native and Holyoke resident, joined my homebirth midwifery practice as student midwife and is now our apprentice.Elissa’s entry has reminded me of the value of the apprenticeship model. Prior to the dominance of educational institutions for training, apprenticeship was the route for most professions. With direct…